Meet The Artists – Lottie Hall

Lottie Hall is one of the newest artists to join The Artworks agency! Only recently graduating from NUA in 2019, Lottie joined as part of our ‘Startworks‘ programme and is currently based in Norwich. Creating her own Illustrative brand straight from university, Lottie loves to play with ideas of form, colour and texture!

We were excited to interview Lottie and hear more about her life as an artist…

Where do you live?

I live in Norfolk with my partner, in a higgledy-piggledy house just outside of Norwich by the river.

Where is your studio located?

My studio is in the house; I’m very lucky to have the space. I can make it impossible to put down my tools and stop working, but that’s quite nice sometimes.

Can you describe your creative process?

I always have a workbook open near me; I like to have an ideas page on the left and draw on the right (although this ends up going onto the next few pages). I find it really helpful to get everything down on paper; even very rough ideas or a tiny spark of something to come back to later. I tend to have more things on my mind than time to explore them all; I want to draw the world and design a million different things; I can’t help it. I use Illustrator a lot these days, and the flexibility of it usually generates more thoughts and ideas while I’m working on something. It never ends.

What does a typical working day look like?

I usually start by drawing out ideas – often subconscious, or looking at ideas I’ve already collected, as mentioned above. I also have a little cardboard box with one of my sardines on it and the words ‘ideas i had’. It’s getting full of little bits of paper I keep shoving in there for a rainy day. Currently I’m designing things like cards and prints, and developing repeat patterns from existing designs. There’s also lots of emailing. I sell cards to design-led shops and galleries so there’s usually something exciting to do for that. I love using paper packaging. I also try to post on Instagram without getting too obsessed.

Do you listen to music or the radio whilst you work? If so, what’s on your playlist?

I’m a huge Bob Dylan fan, especially his work from 1961-1976. I know all the words. I also listen to a lot of Radio 6, and I’m a sucker for Jazz.

How long have you been with the Artworks for?

Since last summer. It was a red-hot day in London when I first met Steph at The Artworks HQ; having being spotted at D&AD.

What drew you to Artworks?

The diversity of Artists and the commissions they have worked on, plus the friendliness of the team.

What books or programmes did you love as a child? Have they influenced your work in any way?

I used to love watching My Parents Are Aliens but I’m not sure if it’s influenced my work. Book wise I loved Judith Kerr – The Tiger Who Came To Tea and Mog. I collect children’s books now. One of my favourite publishers is Little Gestalten; The Night Watchman is fantastic and offers endless inspiration.

If you weren’t an artist, what would you be instead?

I’d be someone else!

What was the most important lesson you learned at Art School?

Keep experimenting and the joy of happy ‘mistakes’.

What inspires you the most to create?

Everyday objects, utility and the domestic, children. Using metaphors to solve problems.

Name three artists that you admire

Bruno Munari, Alexander Girard, Henri Matisse.

What kind of commissions do you enjoy the most?

When I am given the freedom to do what I think would work; and being trusted to do so.

What would your dream commission be?

I like working with products; I’d love to do a clothing collaboration and work on surface patterns for the fabric. I’d also love to Illustrate a children’s book of course, or to do my own.

Do you have any pets? If so, what and what are they called?

Not yet. I’d love a dog or two. I like whippets and wiry haired terriers. I also love dalmatians but they’re a little flamboyant right now.

What 5 things could you not live without?

Art, family and friends, coffee, laptop, pens and paper. (Is that 5?)

What is your very favourite meal?

Vegetarian lasagne (homemade)

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like treasure hunting in charity shops; cooking with a beer and Bob Dylan; having dinners with friends, music and poetry.

What is your current dream travel destination?

Always Italy.

See more of Lottie’s work here.